The TomTom Go Live 1005's large screen and easy-to-use interface make it a nifty device. Plus, it comes with value-added features like Google Search and voice control - who cares if it can't pronounce all our street names properly?
Look and feel
The Go Live 1005 has a robust design, with the five-inch screen encased in a smooth and sturdy black chassis. Rounded corners and simplicity give the device a stylish touch.
The TomTom comes with a great mount that can be easily fastened or unfastened to a car's windscreen, while the device itself can also slot in and out of the mount fairly easily. The mount allows for a good deal of rotation, and a USB cable and car charger are also included.
Usability
The Go Live 1005 is very easy to use. Menus are simple, but well organised, so users shouldn't get lost among the many options. Locating destinations is straightforward, and users can do this in a number of ways, including typing in an address, selecting a favourite or recent destination, or using one of the search features.
One of the great things about the Go Live 1005 is the effortlessness required to modify routes. The device also lets users change their routes to avoid roadblocks and delays picked up by the Go Live service, while users can also set detour points. The device warns of speed cameras and users can add fixed and mobile cameras as they come across them.
The touch-screen is highly responsive. This and the size of the screen make it incredibly easy to enter destinations and navigate between menus. Users can also opt to use the voice function, but I found it wasn't that accurate.
Features
The Go Live includes maps of 66 countries, making it the ultimate travel companion for border-crossing explorers.
In summary
Good: Large screen, great features, easy to use
Bad: Inaccurate voice control
Rating: 8/10
Features: Voice control, Google Search, purchase includes a free, one-year subscription to Live services (valued at R499), hands-free calling
Price: R3 799
In addition to the 66 maps, users can choose to hear instructions in a number of languages. Unfortunately, preloaded African languages are in short supply, but I was pleasantly surprised to find Afrikaans. Users can also choose between US, UK or Australian English. South African English is not an option, but hearing the various pronunciations of streets like Malibongwe and Bram Fischer should give users the odd kick.
The real bonus, for me, is that users can listen to instructions in the local language when travelling (in some countries).
'Points of Interest' is an especially nice feature for tourists keen to visit attractions at holiday destinations. The TomTom also comes with Google Search, making it much easier to find the destination of one's choice.
The device also has hands-free calling functionality, which means users can make hands-free phone calls if they connect their phones to the device via Bluetooth.
In summary
At R3 799, the TomTom Go Live 1005 is pretty pricey for a satnav device. While this is justified by the extra features TomTom has throw in, a lot of users may opt for a cheaper model.
However, travellers and family heads will probably happily pay the extra cash for the reliability and ease of use the Go Live 1005 offers.
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